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NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL CHICAGO CUBS (97-64, 1st) MANAGER: Lou Piniella (3rd season) PAYROLL: $145 million X-FACTOR: Isn't combustible Milton Bradley, now on his sixth team, the only choice for this category everywhere he goes? BEST CASE: A deep pitching staff and a balanced lineup puts them back in the postseason for the third straight year for the first time since 1906-08. They go ahead and complete the deal for Jake Peavy at the trade deadline. The 101-year championship drought finally ends and poor Steve Bartman can go on with his life. WORST CASE: Ryan Dempster can't match his 17-win breakthrough after signing a huge contract. They miss the versatile Mark DeRosa far...

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NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL
CHICAGO CUBS (97-64, 1st)
MANAGER: Lou Piniella (3rd season)
PAYROLL: $145 million
X-FACTOR: Isn't combustible Milton Bradley, now on his sixth team, the only choice for this category everywhere he goes?
BEST CASE: A deep...

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